Heating and cooling with one device.

Summers are getting hotter and heatwaves are lasting longer. Cooling is becoming increasingly important in our latitudes. The demand for a system that can both heat and cool is rising year by year. Heating ensures that temperatures in rooms are pleasantly comfortable in winter. With the right energy generator, such as a heat pump or a chiller, heating can also be used for cooling in summer with a click.

How does heating and cooling work with one system?

In winter, warm water flows through the heating pipes, the wall or ceiling surface heats up and releases the heat in the form of radiant heat. In summer, 16-20 °C cold water flows through the pipes and the surface heating cools the rooms. Since it works through radiation exchange, there is no draft or noise. Therefore, it can also run at night. Wall cooling and ceiling cooling are very energy-efficient and reduce energy costs by up to 30% compared to conventional air conditioning systems. The extra: The wall is not obstructed by a disruptive air conditioning unit. The underfloor heating can only provide supportive cooling. However, cooling via the floor reaches its limits with high heat loads. Since we are in direct contact with this surface, we react very sensitively to the temperature of these surfaces. If the floor is too cool, we feel uncomfortable.

Surface Cooling renovating

Wall cooling and ceiling cooling can be retrofitted. In older buildings, the drywall construction systems can also be used in renovation. In an existing building, the modular panels are quickly installed. The flexible panel sizes also perfectly adapt to an attic conversion. 

More on the topic of renovation

Advantages and Disadvantages of Surface Heating and Cooling

  • The system for heating and cooling is invisibly installed in the wall or ceiling.
  • Free from drafts – does not stir up dust.
  • Silent – can run at night.
  • Temperature can be regulated individually in each room.
  • Alternative energy sources such as heat pump, solar, biomass can be used.
  • Save up to 30% on energy costs.
  • Maintenance free.
  • The heated or cooled wall should not be randomly obstructed with furniture, as this will affect the heating and cooling performance. However, it still offers freedom in interior design. 
  • Hanging pictures is not an issue, but one must proceed with caution and locate the aluminium multi-layer composite pipes with the pipe locator or with the thermofoil beforehand. 
  • When comparing the acquisition costs with a radiator or an air conditioning unit, the costs for a water-based surface heating and cooling system are higher. However, in ongoing operation, the energy costs are significantly lower than the operating costs for heating and cooling. With surface heating, you can save up to 25% on heating costs and with surface cooling even up to 30% on energy costs. Thus, the surface heating and cooling system pays for itself within a few years.

The most important questions briefly summarized.

Those who heat through the wall or ceiling in winter can also cool through the same system in summer. We only recommend supportive cooling, meaning pre-cooling, through the floor. A wall or ceiling heating/cooling system can also be retrofitted in drywall construction. Learn more about how you can heat and cool through walls and ceilings. 

Those who cool via ceiling or wall save up to 30% on energy costs. This is because people feel comfortable at a room temperature of around 25°C due to radiation exchange. In comparison: If you cool with an air conditioner, the room must be cooled down to about 23°C to achieve the same comfort. You save about 10% of running costs per degree. Learn more about saving energy with surface cooling. 

With a water-based underfloor heating system, it is also possible to provide supplementary cooling in the summer. However, cooling via the floor reaches its limits with high heat loads. Since we are in direct contact with this surface, the surface temperature is limited. If the floor is too cool, we feel uncomfortable. Learn more about cooling via the floor.

You can cool your home in the summer without air conditioning and fans. We have compiled the best tips for you:

1.  Keep cool with wet towels2.  Close windows3.  Darken rooms4.  Turn off electrical appliances5.  Bring green plants into the home